My Path to Mounts
Monday, January 29, 2018
In this posting, I would like to share the story that led me to developing mounts for smartphones and tablets. I was a sign language interpreter for the deaf in the late 1990s and I needed to see visual information instantly that speakers were displaying behind my back. It was typical for speakers to use PowerPoint in classes, meetings and workshops. I needed to view the information directly since just listening to the speakers was not enough in order to fully understand and then interpret their words.
I invented a dual-mirror system that when set up in front of me allowed me to view the information behind me without turning around. The image of the information in the “viewing” mirror appeared correct and readable since it was the reverse of the reverse image from the “reflecting” mirror.
Since interpreters sat and stood anywhere, I needed a versatile mounting system that could handle these situations. The need was similar to that of mounting a microphone, so I configured the mirror system to match the 5/8”-27 thread standard of the audio industry.
I needed to angle the mirrors precisely so I incorporated a 3-way tilt, turn, rotate universal ball joint. Finally, in 2001 I released the new product “Interpreter Mirror,” with a full package of three support mounts: folding table stand, edge clamp and telescoping floor stand.
The Interpreter Mirror was moderately successful, though I had to stop production in 2005 due to insufficient demand. My business worked on other products until we were able to rejuvenate the Interpreter Mirror concept in 2011 when Apple came out with the iPad. The iPad camera and display fully replaced the dual-mirror, and I upgraded the mounts by combining the two major thread standards: ?”-20 for photography – to attach the device holders and 5/8”-27 for music – to attach the supports.
Each of these standards has quick-connect adapters that allowed me to develop the first and only universal dual quick-connect system. The component that makes this happen is the “Spindle.” The Interpreter Mirror, now called Video Visual Feed, became the impetus for a general mounting system for smartphones and tablets, SITUATE.